fungus on face

Jan 1, 2004

hello, I am on Kaletra and combivir. Almost as soon as I started the meds my face started getting red dry ichy patches. Now..I have psoriasis all my life..but have never had a problem with it on my face. My doctor says what is on my face is a fungus..same thing that causes dandruff? I am using Ketoconazole cram 2. He said that most people have this but it doesnt effect them. I dont understand...is this caused from the medications...it really doesnt look better..more like I am maintaining it from getting worse. what do you think? Also...should I be getting sun on my face to help it?

Response from Dr. Pierone

It may be that your facial rash is seborrhea. This sometimes develops as part of an immune reconstitution syndrome (psoriasis can flare too with immune reconstitution). Ketoconazole cream usually works for this condition, sometimes adding hydrocortisone cream (0.5 or 1%) helps as well. If this does not get better a dermatologist with experience with HIV should be able to help. Good luck!

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